by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

This article appeared earlier today in my FREE Overwhelmed No More! Newsletter. To subscribe, enter your name and email address in the sign-up box to the left. You'll get practical tips and inspiring ideas every month to help you successfully navigate life as a parent of a child with special needs.

Your role as a mom or dad of a child with special needs is rewarding, fulfilling, and awe-inspiring. Yet it's all too easy to become overwhelmed by the many demands on your time and energy. And the tricky thing about being overwhelmed is that once you're there, it can be difficult to figure out how to get life back under control!

You CAN break the cycle of overwhelm, no matter how hectic your life is right now. Today's tips give you 10 simple actions you can take, in 5 minutes or less -- today and every day -- to jumpstart your escape from overwhelm. These are things you can do in small moments with minimal effort -- yet you'll be amazed at the difference they can make in your life - and in the lives of your children and family as well.

The 10 Simplest Things You Can Do In 5 Minutes or Less,
For a More Manageable, Balanced, Joyful Life

1. Breathe.

2. Stay Hydrated.

3. Stretch.

4. Smile.

5. Laugh.

6. Go outside.

7. Savor a delicious fruit or vegetable.

8. Eliminate or re-schedule an item on your to-do list.

9. Take delight in a micro-moment of joy.

10. Hug and kiss your children.

When you start with these 10 steps, and make them a regular part of your life, you'll gain clarity, you'll have more energy, and you'll build momentum - the three key foundations for a manageable, balanced, joyful life.  Print this out, post it where you'll see it often, and give these steps a try in the coming days and weeks. Let me know how it goes!